It has now been around 1 month since I opened the doors of my new Alex Muir Australia boutique in historic Piper St, Kyneton. I did it based on a dream and a passion – often the key and only ingredients in any leap of faith!

The support from past Melbourne and new regional Victorian customers alike, has been humbling and yet at the same time exciting! Would it work? Would people like my products? I do, but does that matter?

As it turns it out, it has and they do! My passion to share these beautiful products continues.

However, none of this would be possible and the success of any current business fades into insignificance, if it was not for the brave men and women who served and perhaps paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In all theatres of war, fighting for the lifestyle we now quite possibly, take for granted.

ANZAC Day is this month. A time to reflect on the sacrifice made by so many. It is so encouraging to see the current generation of school children gain a knowledge and appreciation of this special day.

Even my Charlie who is in Grade 1, will make the visit with his classmates to our local memorial and place a wreath on the faded, yet timeless façade of our local shrine of remembrance. Speeches will be made and the few old diggers remaining will stand proudly, if a little unsteadily and remember their mates who never came home - so that we would have one.

They will then shuffle off the few hundred meters to the RSL club and enjoy a cold beer and chat amongst their mates, perhaps even a game of Two Up (or two…). Who could begrudge them that!

I think back to my new shop, the warmth and safety of our home. I think back and I give thanks to those brave men and women who allowed me to pursue my dream. Lest we forget.